VIGO CO. – On August 21, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Indiana State Police Master Trooper Ty Lightle observed a black pickup truck traveling northbound on US 41 near Head Road.
The truck appeared to be traveling above the posted 55 MPH speed limit. Activating his radar, he received a reading of 70 MPH. Master Trooper Lightle, in his fully marked police car, activated his emergency lights and attempted to make a traffic stop.
The driver ignored Master Trooper Lightle’s emergency lights, and a pursuit ensued. The truck continued southbound, reaching speeds over 140 MPH, traveling off-road near the Wabash River bottoms in an attempt to evade troopers. Shortly after, the truck returned to US 41 near Evans Drive, traveling northbound.
Master Trooper Jeremy Lewis and an off-duty Vigo County Deputy observed the truck driving directly towards them. Both officers immediately activated their emergency lights. The truck driver, seeing that there was no escape, ended the pursuit by turning into a parking lot and coming to a stop. A felony traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was taken into custody.
The driver was then identified as Marc R. Welsh, 38, of Rosedale, Indiana, on charges of resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, criminal recklessness with a vehicle, operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a prior conviction, and reckless driving. Further investigation by Master Trooper Lightle also revealed that Welsh displayed signs of impairment. Welsh was offered the opportunity to take a certified chemical test, but he refused. He was arrested and taken to the Vigo County Jail where he is currently being held without bond.
Assisting Agencies: Vigo County Sheriff’s Department and Peffley and Hinshaw Wrecker Service.
